Non-league player who broke Jamie Vardy’s transfer record makes his first appearance for new team
Fans are really impressed by the non-league star who smashed Jamie Vardy’s transfer record after Abdul Abdulmalik landed his dream move.
Vardy is one of the biggest success stories from the lower levels of English football. He started at Stockbridge Park Steels and Halifax Town before moving up to Fleetwood Town in the Conference (now the National League). In 2012, he joined Leicester City for £1 million.
Vardy went on to make history by helping Leicester win the Premier League in 2016, winning the Premier League Golden Boot, and playing for England at the World Cup.
Now, Abdulmalik is the newest rising star from Non-League football. Last season, he made 28 goals and assists for Boreham Wood, helping them win the National League Cup and reach the play-off final at Wembley, where they lost to Rochdale.
He caught the eye of European clubs in the summer, with Boreham Wood turning down two bids from Swedish team Djurgardens. But after Abdulmalik, a Millwall academy graduate, expressed his strong desire for the move, an offer over £1.5 million was accepted.
The 23-year-old made his debut for his new club last Thursday, coming off the bench in a 7-1 Swedish Cup win over Haninge. A video of his performance has been watched by 2.7 million people! The left winger got big cheers when he came on in the 61st minute and amazed fans with some amazing dribbles.
Abdulmalik showed lightning speed and great skill, constantly taking on defenders. His exciting cameo convinced many that he’s got what it takes to keep climbing in his career.
One fan on X said, “He needs European football, and I bet he’ll be in the big leagues soon.” Another added, “Crazy no British team gave him a chance because he looks amazing in those clips.” And a third said, “Such a sharp player. Even if it’s against weaker teams, I’m really curious to see how he does next.”
There are lots of talented players outside league football in England, and Abdulmalik is a great example. He played for England’s Under-17s and went through Millwall’s academy, helping their Under-21s win two Professional Development League titles. But he never made a first-team appearance for Millwall.
After being released in July 2024, he went straight to Non-League, where he had some experience from a loan with Wealdstone. He excelled at Boreham Wood and was even named in the National League Team of the Season last year.
After facing setbacks early on, Abdulmalik is now a professional footballer, and it looks like his best days are ahead of him.